By Liam Verster

High School Program

High School program to be removed from St. Mary’s school

Mar 15, 2020 | 12:00 AM

The Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools Board of Trustees has decided to eliminate Grades 10-12 from the St. Mary’s Catholic School in Sexsmith.

The Board came to the decision during its meeting this week, citing low student population, limited programming options for students, and reduced provincial funding.

Superintendent Karl Germann says this decision will be beneficial on many levels.

“What would have happened is that school, in Grades 10, 11 and 12, would have been staffed with one teacher, or just over one teacher, when really what you need to staff a school with is at least 3.5 teachers in high school, even if you’re operating a small school.

“So there will be a little bit of a savings, and probably more importantly, I think the kids will have more options to choose from, and better programming, and that’s we’re after as well.”

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

Germann says St. Mary’s is a Kindergarten to Grade 12 school, and though kids stay from K through Grade 9, they often leave for a different high school in the higher grades. He says the high school program at St. Mary’s saw, on average, between seven and fifteen students, and it made sense to remove the program.

The St. Mary’s students will be directed to the St. John Paul II Catholic High School next year. Germann says the School Division will also offer bus transportation for students to get to their new school.